No one ever dreamt of being in jail and facing criminal charges, but in case you ever find yourself in such a situation, what you need to do is find a lawyer to defend a criminal like you. In Provo, for example, there are law firms that concentrate on such cases. In doing so, you have to make sure that you’re getting the best there is, because it’s your life on the line, right? It can be challenging to assess one service after another, especially if you do not have much time, but there are ways to evaluate a lawyer, their services, and your needs.
Evaluate criminal defense lawyers by knowing the right questions to ask. While there are no right or wrong answers for these questions, you – as a client – should keep your own preference and standards in mind. Below are some questions worth asking.
Choosing the Right Ally
“How long have you been a lawyer?”
The longer the practice, the more at ease you would be working with your chosen lawyer. Apart from the length of time in practice, you should also do a background check on his professional career. Asking for a business permit, and whether or not he is licensed to practice the profession is very important.
“Have you handled cases similar to mine?”
A ‘yes’ would be ideal as this would mean that they have an idea on what to do with your case. However, if it is a negative, do not be discouraged as most cases are unique from each other.
“What strategy will you use for my case?”
If the answer to the previous question is a ‘yes’, then your lawyer would have a game plan ready for your case. Otherwise, it is important that he can present a viable strategy to handle the case. As a client, it is important that his strategy matches your comfort level, ethics, and even preference.
“Will I be able to avoid a trial?”
Taking your case to court will not only be lengthy, but it will also be costly. Thus, you and your lawyer should preferably be on the same page when it comes to bringing your case to court. If he can present ways to avoid a court trial, then good. But if it’s necessary to proceed with this legal battle, then it’s better to go with a lawyer who has extensive court experience. After all, experience is the best teacher.
“What future does my case have?”
A good lawyer should be able to tell you the reality of your case without giving you false hopes. Although it might not be what you want to hear, it is important to see that your lawyer is dedicated to getting you the best outcome possible.
“What is your fees structure?”
Discuss money matters early as possible. Working with a lawyer is not cheap – but your life is definitely much more valuable than any amount of cash. Talk about the possibility of having your case as a pro-bono if you think you can’t afford such services.
Everyone is entitled to a lawyer. However, it is up to you as a client to find a good one, especially in such trying times. Remember that this is your life.